Sports communication system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is of a communication system for use in sports training or during play, wherein a first user can communicate on a real time basis with at least one second user, wherein the system includes at least one digital transmitter module for readily facilitating transferring a verbal message from a first user to at least one second user, and at least one digital receiving module for readily facilitating the second user receiving the verbal message from the first user. Preferably, the transmitter is used by the first user, such as a trainer, for real time communication with at least one second user, such as a player during a game, via a receiving device worn by the player. Optionally, the system includes a multi-user activator for transmitting to more than one user.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sports communication system. Inparticular, it concerns a sports communication system featuring atraining aid, which includes a transmitter and at least one receivingdevice. Moreover, the preset invention is of a communication system foruse in sports training or during play, wherein a first user, such as atrainer can communicate real time with at least one second user.

Presently, communication between players and a trainer during a game ormatch is very limited. Methods of the prior art are limited to thetrainer waiting until there is a break in play and/or alternativelyshouting instructions from the sidelines. The disadvantages of thecurrent methods include the following. It is difficult for a trainer torelay strategies and plays to moving players. Furthermore, the traineris unable to correct players' mistakes during play. In addition, in theevent that the opposing team or sportsperson is aware of thepre-designated plan of play, a trainer is unable to communicate to theplayers a new plan.

Currently, there is no sports communication device for real timeinterchange between a first user and a second user, such as a trainerout of eye contact from the first user, while the player is involved ina game.

There is therefore a need for a communication system, whereby a traineror a first user can communicate at any time with a second user, such asdisclosed in the present invention. Such a communication system providesa solution to the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sports communication system.Moreover, the present invention is of a communication system comprisinga training aid for use by a first user, which includes a transmitter ortransferring a verbal message and at least one receiving device for useby at least one second user for receiving a verbal message. Preferably,the transmitter is used by at least one first user, such as a trainerfor communication real time with at least one second user, such as aplayer during a game, via a receiving device worn by the at least oneplayer.

In a first embodiment the present invention provides a sportscommunication system comprising (a) at least one transmitter for readilyfacilitating transferring a verbal message from a first user to at leastone second user, and (b) at least one receiving device for readilyfacilitating the at least one second user receiving the verbal messagefrom the first user.

In a second embodiment the present invention provides a one-way sportscommunication system comprising (a) at least one transmitter for readilyfacilitating transferring a verbal message from a first user to at leastone second user, and (b) at least one receiving device for readilyfacilitating the at least one second user receiving the verbal messagefrom the first user.

In a third embodiment the present invention provides a sportscommunication system comprising (a) at least one transmitter for readilyfacilitating transferring a verbal message from a first user to at leastone second user, wherein the transmitter includes; (i) an electronicboard featuring a plurality of buttons; and (ii) an antenna; and (b) atleast one device, for readily facilitating the at least one second userreceiving the verbal message from the first user wherein the receiverincludes an ear piece.

In a fourth embodiment the present invention providers a two waycommunication system comprising (a) at least one transmitter for use bya user readily facilitating a verbal message from a user to at least onesecond user, and (b) at least one receiving device for use by a user forreadily facilitating receiving the verbal message from the user.

In a preferred embodiment the transmitter further includes a pluralityof activators.

In a preferred embodiment the plurality of activators is selected fromthe group consisting of buttons, switchers, touch activated points and acombination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the plurality of activators correspond tospecific second users.

In a preferred embodiment the plurality of activators includes amulti-channel transmitter.

In a preferred embodiment the transmitter further includes an antenna.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one receiving device is wireless.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one receiving device is selectedfrom the group consisting of, a headphone device, earpiece, device whichtranslates vibration of the cheekbone or a combination thereof

In a preferred embodiment the at least one receiving device furtherincludes a hearing device.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one receiving device furtherincludes a mouth piece.

In a preferred embodiment the first user is a trainer.

In a preferred embodiment the first user is captain of a team.

In a preferred embodiment the first user is a computer.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one second user is a member of asports team.

In a preferred the sports communication system is for use in any sportsgame.

In a preferred embodiment the sports communication system is for use inany sports game wherein a subcomponent of a team is not visible by allteam members.

The term ‘game’ as used herein includes, but is not limited to, anysport outdoor or indoor activities or any contest with rules, whereinthe result is determined by skill, which includes a sports game and anygame which involves use of a ball, a competitive activity involvingskill, chance or endurance and played according to a set of rules forthe amusement of the players or spectators and in addition a singleoccasion of such an activity or a division of one. Wherever the term‘game’ is used in the specification, it is envisioned that any suitablegame is intended.

The term ‘player’ as used herein includes, but is not limited to, anyindividual participating in a game irrespective whether the player is askilled, or unskilled, amateur or professional player. Furthermore, theterm ‘player’ as used-herein includes, but is not limited to, a personwho takes part or is skilled in some game or sport

The term ‘trainer’ as used her includes, but is not limited to, anyindividual professional or amateur who teaches and improves the gameplay of a player, such as, but not limited to instructing players in thetechniques, maneuvers, tactics, rules, skills and team interaction of agame, a person or thing that as, such as training athletes.

The term ‘play’ as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any partor all of the execution of a game and involves strategy, maneuvers andskill, an action or conduct of a game, an act or instance of playingand/or a manner or style of play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the communication system of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of thecommunication system of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a sports communication systemconstructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a transmitter module according toanother embodiment of the invention.

The present invention is a sports communication system. Morespecifically, the present invention is a one-way sports communicationsystem, wherein a first user has a training aid, which includes atransmitter, for transferring verbal messages and at least one seconduser has a receiver for receiving the verbal message from a first user.In addition, the present invention provides a two-way sportscommunication system, wherein a first user has a training aid, whichincludes a transmitter, for transferring verbal messages and at leastone second user has a receiver for receiving the verbal message from afirst user and a means for hands free voice activated response.Optionally, the present invention is of a two-way sports communicationsystem, wherein a first user has a training aid, which includes atransmitter, for transferring verbal messages and a receiver forreceiving verbal messages and at least one second user has a receiverfor receiving the verbal message from a first user and a transmitter fortransmitting a verbal message.

The sports communication system of the present invention is gearedtowards a multiplicity of different users including, but not limited to,any sport which includes more than one player, with or without a trainerand any sport which includes one player and a trainer. It is envisionedthat the sports communication system of the present invention will finduse in the training of professional and amateur players and in sportsmatches to achieve best results.

The principles and operation of a sports communication system, accordingto the present invention may be better understood with reference to thedrawings and the accompanying description. The figures are not limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the communication system of the presentinvention. As can be see in FIG. 1, the sports communication system 10of the present invention preferably features a transmitter 12 and atleast one receiver module 14. Preferably, the sports communicationsystem 10 of the present invention is used by a first user and at leastone second user. Preferably, transmitter 12 is wireless. Preferably,transmitter 12 features a panel 16 with a plurality of activators is,here shown as seven activators 18. Preferably, one activator 18 isassociated with each user, as by user address or transmission frequency.In this case, activators 18 may be numbered to correspond with specificusers.

Preferably, activators 18 are selected from the group consisting ofbuttons, switches, touch activated points or any combination thereof.

Optionally, a multi user activator 20 is configured to transmit to morethan receiver module 14. Preferably, a “burst” activator 22 isconfigured to transmit to all users, substantially simultaneously.Optionally, transmitter 12 includes an antenna 24.

More preferably, transmitter 12 also includes a processor 26 forprocessing the transmissions, which processor 26 readily facilitatestransferring the transmissions to an associated receiver module 14.Transmitter 12, panel 16 and activators 18, multi user activator 20 and“burst” activator 22 are made from any suitable material.

Preferably, receiver module 14 is any suitable wireless receiving deviceconfigured to receive transmissions, such as, but not limited to, aheadphone device, an earpiece or a device which transfers vocal messageswith vibration of the cheekbone.

Preferably, receiver module 14 includes a hearing device 28 readilyfacilitating the transmitted message to be heard by the at least onesecond user. In a more preferred embodiment, receiver module 14 is awireless earpiece device. Preferably, receiver module 14 is lightweightand not cumbersome, in order not to interfere with the activity of theuser.

Optionally, the receiver module 14 includes a transmitter 30, whichfacilitates the second user wearing receiver module 14 to reply to atransmitted message or to transmit a message.

Preferably, the first user is a trainer or captain of a team.Preferably, at least one second user is a subcomponent of a team, who isnot in earshot or eye contact with the first user, or a subcomponent ofa team in motion. Optionally, the first user can be a computerconfigured to instruct a sports team.

Preferably, the sports communication system of the present invention 10is a one-way system in which a first user transmits a message to atleast one second user, but the at least one second user is unable toreply.

In an alternative embodiment, the sports communication system 10 of thepresent invention provides a two way system, wherein a first usertransmits a message to at least one second user and at least one seconduser can reply, preferably by way of a hands free voice activatedsystem.

Furthermore, the sports communication system 10 of the present inventionprovides a two way system wherein a user, such as the captain of a team,can transmit instructions.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of thecommunication system of the present invention. As can be see in FIG. 2,the sports communication system 40 of the present invention preferablyfeatures a transmitter module 42 and at least one receiver module 44.Preferably, the sports communication system 40 of the present inventionis used by a first user and at least one second user.

Preferably, transmitter module 42 is wireless. Preferably, transmittermodule 42 features a panel 46 with a plurality of activators 48.Preferably, plurality of activators 48 include an activator 48 for eachuser.

Preferably, activators 48 are numbered to correspond with specificusers. Preferably, activators 48 are selected from the group consistingof buttons, switches, touch activated points or a combination thereof.

Optionally, a multi user activator 50 is configured to transmit to morethan one user. Preferably, a “burst” activator 52 is configured tofacilitate multi-channel transmission in order to transmit to all users.

Preferably, transmitter module 42 includes an antenna 54. Morepreferably, transmitter module 42 includes a processor 53 for processingtransmissions, which processor 53 readily facilitates transferringtransmissions to a receiver module 44. Transmitter module 42, panel 46activator 48, multi user activator 50, “burst” activator 52 are madefrom any suitable material,

Preferably, receiver module 44 is a headphone wireless receiving device,configured to receive transmissions. Preferably, receiver module 44includes a hearing device 56, such as a speaker or a vibration patch,readily facilitating the transmitted message to be heard by the seconduser wearing receiver module 44. Preferably, receiver module 44 islightweight and not cumbersome, in order not to interfere with theactivity of the user.

Preferably, the first user is a trainer or captain of a team.Preferably, at least one second user is a subcomponent of a team. Itwill be appreciated that the second user may or may not be withinearshot or in eye contact with the first user, or may be a subcomponentof a team in motion. Optionally, the first user can be a computerconfigured to instruct a sports team.

Preferably, the sports communication system 40 of this embodiment is aone-way system in which a first user transmits a message to at least onesecond user, but the at least one second user is unable to reply.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic illustration of asport communication system 60 constructed and operative in accordancewith another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Sportcommunication system 60 includes a transmitter module 62 and a receivingmodule 80. Transmitter module 62 includes a plurality of activators 64,a transmitter 66, a microphone 68, and a power source 70, such as abattery. Microphone 68 is coupled to a controller 72, having an analogto digital converter, to convert voice signals from the first user todigital signals for transmission. Controller 72 may be a processor ordiscrete logic. If desired, transmitter 66 may be a transceiver, and aspeaker 74 or other device for providing an audible signal may beprovided to permit two-way communication. In this case, the transceiverpreferably includes a digital to analog converter to convert receiveddigital signals back to the voice message for playing audibly to thefirst user.

Receiving module 80 includes an earpiece 82, preferably shaped andadapted to fit within the ear of a second user (shown enlarged in FIG.3). Earpiece 82 includes a receiver 84, for receiving digital signalscorresponding to the first user's verbal message from transmitter module62, with a controller 86 with an analog-to-digital converter forconverting the received digital signals back to the original verbalmessage for hearing by the second user. Controller 86 may be a processoror discrete logic. Preferably earpiece 82 is designed to be waterresistant or waterproof and does not interfere with the balance of theuser wearing it. It will be appreciated that since the earpiece isdigital, there is little danger of radiation.

One example of a suitable system is a simplex voice network system(SVNS). The electronic transmitter module and electronic receiver moduleinclude SVNS controller cards. The electronic units may be based on anRF transmitter and multiple receiver earphones, which work as a networkstyle system. The transmitter may include power amplification forincreased transmission power. The transmitter controller card may beconfigured, for example, for wireless audio transmission of 100-200 mW,to achieve a range of about 100-200 meters in an open area.Alternatively, the card may be configured for any other desiredtransmission range, The transmitter may include an omni-directionalantenna. The receiver card is enclosed in a small earphone which,preferably, can be inserted entirely in the ear, except for a smallexternal omni-directional antenna The transmitter may support digitaltransmission of the voice signals including a destination address foreach earphone. Each receiver card has its own address, as well as theability to enable a common address for broadcasting mode support.

The earpiece further includes a device 88 for producing an audiblemessage, such as a miniature speaker or vibration device. A miniaturepower supply 90, such as a battery, is provided in earpiece 82 to powerthe other elements thereof. According to one embodiment, receivingmodule 80 also includes an antenna 92, which may be located outside theear of the second user. According to another embodiment, the receiver 84may be a transceiver, and a microphone (not shown), or other device forreceiving an audible message from the second user, is provided in thereceiving module 80 for two-way communication.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat the earpiece 80 is miniaturized, so as to seat within the ear of asecond user, in the manner of a conventional hearing aid, and does notinterfere with the balance of the user wearing it. Furthermore, thedigital design minimizes danger from radiation.

This embodiment of the invention preferably utilizes wirelesstransmission, which may be RF. Each receiving module 80 (associated witha particular second user) is assigned a unique address in thetransmitter, and this address is associated with one of the activators64. In this way, a verbal message spoken by the first user intotransmitter module 62, as via microphone 68, is converted in thecontroller 72 to the appropriate digital signals. When the first userpresses one of the actuators 64, these digital signals are transmittedto the receiving module 80 having the address associated with thatactuator. In the event that the first user wishes to broadcast a singlemessage simultaneously to a group of second users, a separate activator65 may be provided for “burst” or network-type transmission to thepre-defined group of addresses. Alternatively, the transmitter module 62may be designed to permit transmission to a selected group of secondusers which was not defined in advance.

Alternatively, each receiving module 80 may be assigned a unique radiofrequency on which transmitter 66 transmits verbal messages meant onlyfor it. In this case, the “burst” activator 65 may provide multi-channeltransmission over the relevant frequencies. Alternatively, eachreceiving module 80 may be assigned one unique channel or address andone group channel or address, and “burst” transmissions will bebroadcast over the group channel to all the receiving modules.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic illustration of atransmitter module 100 according to an alternative embodiment of theinvention. Transmitter module 100 is substantially similar totransmitter module 62, and includes individual activators 102, a groupactivator 104, and an internal power source (not shown). Transmittermodule 100 may include a handset 110 only, or a handset with an earpiece120. Handset 110, particularly if used alone, includes a microphone 112and an optional speaker 114. A screen 116 may be provided to permit thefirst user to view the destination of the transmissions so as to verifythat the transmission will be sent to the desired second user. Aninternal or external antenna 118 is also provided

In order to permit the trainer to speak freely, without having to liftthe transmitter module to his ear, a separate earpiece 120 may beprovided. Earpiece 120 may be substantially similar to conventionalone-piece microphones, and includes a microphone 122, a speaker 124 orother means of permitting the wearer to hear a verbal message, and abattery 126. Verbal messages from microphone 122 are received in atransceiver in handset 110 and, when the appropriate button is pressed,the message is transmitted to the desired receiving module.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only toserve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible wit thespirit and the scope of the present invention. It will further beappreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been describedhereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, the invention is limitedsolely by the claims which follow.

1. A sports communication system comprising: (a) at least one digitaltransmitter module for readily facilitating transferring a verbalmessage from a first user to at least one second user in real time whilesaid at least one second user is playing a sport; and (b) at least onedigital receiving module for readily facilitating said at least onesecond user receiving said verbal message from said first user, said atleast one receiving module being adapted and configured to be worn bysaid second user.
 2. The sports communication system of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one transmitter module is adapted and configured toconvert an analog verbal message to digital signals.
 3. The sportscommunication system of claim 2, wherein said at least one receivingmodule is adapted and configured to convert digital signals to an analogverbal message.
 4. The sports communication system of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of activators is selected from the group consisting ofbuttons, switches, touch activated points, and a combination thereof. 5.The sports communication system of claim 1, wherein each of saidplurality of activators corresponds to a specific second user.
 6. Thesports communication system of claim 1, wherein one of said plurality ofactivators activates a multi-channel transmitter.
 7. The sportscommunication system of claim 1, wherein said at least one receivingmodule includes a wireless receiving device.
 8. The sports communicationsystem of claim 7, wherein said at least one receiving module isselected from the group consisting of a headphone device, an earpiece, adevice which transfers vocal messages wit vibration of a cheekbone ofsaid second user, or a combination thereof.
 9. The sports communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein said system is based on a simplex voicenetwork system (SVNS), and said transmitter controller and said receivercontroller include SVNS controller cards.
 10. The sports communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein said at least one receiving module farthercomprises means for providing a verbal response.
 11. The sportscommunication system of claim 10, wherein said means for providing averbal response includes a device for providing a hands free voiceactivated response.
 12. The sports communication system of claim 1,wherein said first user is a computer configured to instruct a sportsteam.
 13. The sports communication system of claim 1, for use in anysports game wherein a subcomponent of a team is not visible by all teammembers.
 14. The sports communication system of claim 1, wherein saidreceiving module is assigned a unique individual address or channel, anda group address or channel.
 15. A sports communication systemcomprising: (a) at least one digital transmitter module for readilyfacilitating transferring a verbal message from a first user to at leastone second user in real time while said at least one second user isplaying a sport, wherein said transmitter module comprises: (i) anelectronic board including a plurality of activators; (ii) an antenna,and (iii) an analog to digital converter; and (b) at least one digitalreceiving module for readily facilitating said at least one second userreceiving said verbal message from said first user, said at least onereceiving device being adapted and configured to be worn by said seconduser, wherein said receiving module comprises a digital to analogconverter.
 16. A method for providing communication comprising: (a)providing a digital transmitter module to a first user for readilyfacilitating transferring a verbal message from said first user to atleast one second user in real time while said at least one second useris playing a sport, and (b) providing to said at least one second user adigital receiving module adapted and configured to be worn by saidsecond user, for readily facilitating receiving said verbal message fromsaid first user.